Heal, Grow, and
Live Your Life to its full potential

It was reassuring to hear others relate experiences similar to ones I had, that seemed a little unbelievable at the time.

Effectively covers the breadth and complexity of caregiving

The film was especially effective in bringing to light the caregiver’s perspective that is often over-shadowed by the dying person’s experience. The personal stories ran true for those of us who have shouldered the caregiver’s role.

The film effectively covers the breadth and complexity of caregiving in a very short space.

Very effective in conveying the experience of cancer families and sensitizing our volunteers

We have had difficulty in the past finding an impactful way of addressing these important issues.

Michelle’s film, with its very personal, heart-felt stories, has been very effective in conveying the experience of cancer families and sensitizing our volunteers to the importance of openness, compassion, empathy and respect.

Useful

Useful information that can be used as training tools for our volunteers that assist or clients.

I was impressed by Michelle’s ability to guide me. I was able to more clearly recognize the root cause of ongoing stressful issues.

I was impressed by Michelle’s ability to guide me with a few key words or comments. The clouds would part and I was able to cut through the verbiage to more clearly recognize the root cause of ongoing stressful issues. With her guidance, I was led to more positive considerations as to how to modify or change stressful issues. She seemed to know what life is about and was capable of guiding all in the support group, even the most reticent, to open up with her approach. I appreciated her calmness and strength.

Excellent.

Excellent class! Excellent Moderator! Got lots of information that’s usable. Thank you.

An opportunity to re-examine personal thoughts and feelings around life and death

The film gives me an opportunity to re-examine personal thoughts and feelings around life and death once again despite feeling that I am comfortable at present with this.

I have loved seeing how Michelle has captured each individual’s journey through their illness while exploring a journey of her own.

This can all be applied in my practice no matter where I go as life and death is an everyday event, so it seems.

She helped me through the most difficult time in my life. I can now look to the future with anticipation.

I reached out to Dr. Michelle Peticolas three months after my soul mate died tragically at the age of thirty-seven, the journey of grief has been a brutal one. Looking back, I was in complete shock for the better of six months despite the support systems that were in place for me–love of friends and family and shared experiences with other widows/widowers from my weekly Partner Loss Group. I thought I was doing okay even though I was still crying every day. When I signed up for the Release Your Grief and Thrive Program, I was hopeful, but honestly I had no idea how she was going to lead me to achieve the thriving part. Today I am amazed at where I am; I have come so far. I can now look to the future with anticipation. Dr. Michelle’s support and guidance gave me the tools I needed to face the challenges that came up–beyond a simplistic view of just missing my partner. When faced with harsh circumstances, we have a choice in how we struggle. She helped me through the most difficult time in my life. With her support, I was able to transform my grief into gratitude. I give Dr. Michelle the highest recommendation for anyone going through the emotional trauma of losing a loved one. My partner is not gone, he is always with me. Dr. Michelle has helped me to accept that.

Through Michelle’s gentle, thoughtful and non-judgmental approach, I was able to make more insightful and mindful choices for myself

I dreamed of committing time to reflect upon my spiritual and emotional journey. I wanted to explore my life’s purpose and deepen my understanding of certain events in my life. I had no idea that my work with Dr. Peticolas on grief and loss would also illuminate patterns that kept me from having a loving, forgiving and compassionate relationship with myself. Through Michelle’s gentle, thoughtful and non-judgmental approach, I have been able to review my life’s more darker circumstances and events and use them to make more insightful and mindful choices, not only about how I am showing up for others in my life, but more importantly, how I am showing up for myself.

I feel better physically, mentally and spiritually. I have a clear plan of what my next steps are. I know I’m going to be ok.

When I first started Michelle’s program, I felt so angry and frustrated with my life. I was still grieving the loss of my wife 5 years ago and I was stuck. But I really questioned spending the money because there are a lot of other things I could have done with it. Now that I’m finished, I can say that working with Michelle was totally worth it. I feel better physically, mentally and spiritually. I am more confident and more open with my feelings. I have a clear plan of what my next steps are and what I need to do to keep this happening. I know I’m going to be ok.